“Ubha Maharashtra Petvun Taakin”(a metaphor to signify the ability to create an uprising at moments notice) were his words when Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena Supremo, was addressing a rally years back. And it was true. If he decided so, he could do it and no one would dare touch his hair, as the saying goes. Such was the influence of the late Bal Thackeray over his followers, that they would spare no measures to fulfill his word. Looking around at the state of politics in Maharashtra, it is difficult to find a politician, clean or corrupt, who can command such an influence over the common man, barring Raj Thackeray, his nephew whose influence has not quite developed due to the divide in sena a couple of years back. From a humble cartoonist, to the (Ektaa Tiger)lone Tiger, his journey of 86 years has not been without the roar.

The future of sena lies in shambles with Uddhay not quite in a position to take up stress and Raj estranged from the lot. But I am sure that the Tiger has taken care of matters before he passed.

Truly the End of an Era with the passing of the charismatic leader who had a huge influence over New Delhi and common people. May his soul rest in peace.